Affordable Exercise Classes

Sitting has been called the new smoking. That’s because not moving enough each day  — also called having a sedentary lifestyle — is so bad for our health.

Staying motivated and finding exercise you enjoy can be tricky, especially when you’re on a budget. The good news is that you can find plenty of workout ideas without buying an expensive gym membership.

To help you get started, we’re sharing the best places to find free or low-cost exercise classes.

Senior Planet online fitness classes

Cost: Free

Senior Planet from AARP offers several free fitness classes you can attend from anywhere on your computer or smartphone. Simply log in to Zoom using the link listed for each class on the Senior Planet website.

Typical classes focus on getting stronger, building flexibility, or staying active. Here are some of the classes usually offered: Balance/Strength, Morning Stretch, Chair Yoga, Strength and Stability, Mindful Meditation and Breathing, Barre, Afternoon Stretch, Tai Chi, Functional Strength Training, Fit Fusion Workout, Feldenkrais – Gentle Movement for Life, and Stronger Bones.

Bonus: If you’re worried about logging on for a class for the first time, Senior Planet has that covered, too. They also offer classes for getting up to speed on Zoom.

> Explore Senior Planet Fitness Classes

SilverSneakers online or in-person classes

Cost: Free through some Medicare plans

As the name suggests, SilverSneakers offers a wide range of exercise classes designed especially for older adults. You can find classes online or in person at participating gyms or senior centers around the country. The program offers a wide variety of classes to increase your strength, flexibility, mobility, or endurance. Some typical classes include SilverSneakers Yoga, Walking for Wellness, Stronger Now, Balance and Stability, Cardio Mix, and Chair Pilates.

SilverSneakers members get access to in-person SilverSneakers classes, on-demand videos, and other perks at no additional cost. If you’re over 65, you may have SilverSneakers included as part of your Medicare plan. You can check your eligibility on their website.

If you’re under 65, you can still access free online exercise classes when you register for a Silver Sneakers account. You can also attend in-person classes for a small fee at your local senior or recreation center.

> Explore SilverSneakers Fitness Classes

Optum^Ⓡ One Pass Fitness Membership

Cost: Discounted through employers, free through some Medicare and Medicaid plans

A One Pass membership allows you to stream thousands of online fitness classes and take in-person classes at thousands of participating locations. The idea is that it’s one membership you can use across multiple places to work out, including national fitness chains such as 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Club Pilates. There are two ways to get affordable memberships:

1) Through your employer

You may be eligible for a discounted One Pass membership through your job. Check with your employer to see what kind of membership may be included as part of your benefits package.

2) Through your health insurance

You may be eligible for a free membership through your health insurance. One Pass offers options for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Where else to find other affordable exercise options

Of course, you can always search for free online exercise classes on YouTube. To narrow your search, try using words that spell out the kind of workout you’re looking for: “over 50,” “low impact,” or “no equipment.”.

In addition, you may be able to find affordable workouts by checking out the following sources.

Community yoga

• Many yoga teachers offer free, discounted, or “pay what you can” classes at yoga studios, community health centers, public libraries, or recreation facilities. Ask around to see what may be on offer.

Walking groups

• Local community centers, shopping malls, or senior centers sometimes offer free walking groups. Walking with the same people every week means you also get a chance to socialize.

Health clinics

• The same clinics offering free dental or health care sometimes offer low-cost exercise classes too. Give them a call to find out — if they don’t offer something, they may be able to refer you.

One final note. Before beginning any exercise program, check with your doctor, especially if you have any injuries. Remember, you can always modify exercises to fit your ability and sit out any portion of a class you find too much.

Use your best judgment and move as much as you can. Any amount of exercise is good exercise — it’s a wonderful stress reliever and can even help you get better sleep. Once you’re over 50, it can also help you maintain muscle mass and skeletal health to avoid injuries that can slow you down.